House System
Santa Maria College, as with most Australian schools, utilises a House system. Students are divided into eight Houses, for the purpose of morning meetings in House groups and Homerooms, and intra-school competition. The Houses are named after notable figures in the Sisters of Mercy's heritage in Western Australia. Dillon, de la Hoyde, Frayne, Kelly, O'Donnell and O'Reilly are named after six of the Sisters who journeyed to Western Australia from Ireland and set up the first Catholic High School in the state - Victoria Square School, now known as Mercedes College. In 2007, two new houses were added - Corbett, named after the school's first Principal, Sr Bertrand Corbett, and Byrne.
Each house competes to earn points towards the "McAuley Shield", through various interhouse events, including: Swimming, Athletics, Cross Country, Volleyball, Soccer, Debating and Public Speaking. In 2007, the interhouse events were expanded to include an Arts Festival after the lobbying of several students wishing for more events which weren't sports-orientated to be included in the McAuley Shield competition. The Arts Festival required each House to prepare a short play and showcase their House's acting abilities. A theatre sports competition is held for students in Year 7 and 8
Read more about this topic: Santa Maria College, Perth
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